Major League Baseball (MLB) has always been a fertile ground for exceptional talent, and 2024 is no exception. This year, we have witnessed extraordinary performances from seasoned veterans and rising stars alike. Here’s a look at the 20 best MLB players who have captivated fans and dominated the field in 2024.
20. Cody Bellinger
Source: forbes.com
Cody Bellinger, renowned for his athletic fielding and left-handed power, has been a versatile player for his team, showcasing a range of skills in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- Home Runs: 37
- Fielding Percentage: .990
Bellinger has been displaying his power at the plate and excellence in the field, contributing to both offensive and defensive plays.
Impact
Cody’s multifaceted game and ability to excel in different aspects of baseball have made him an invaluable asset to his team, providing depth and flexibility to the lineup.
19. Christian Yelich
Source: brewcrewball.com
Christian Yelich, with his smooth swing and base-running intelligence, has been a significant contributor to his team’s success, producing key hits and runs in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- On-Base Percentage: .400
- Stolen Bases: 30
Yelich has been getting on base consistently and utilizing his speed effectively, contributing to his team’s offensive production and strategy.
Impact
Christian’s balanced offensive skills and smart base-running have added a strategic dimension to his team’s play, often creating scoring opportunities and keeping the opponents on their toes.
18. Yu Darvish
Source: japantimes.co.jp
Yu Darvish, with his diverse pitching repertoire and pinpoint control, has been a masterful presence on the mound, baffling hitters and securing wins in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- ERA: 2.75
- Strikeouts: 230
Darvish has been maintaining a low ERA and striking out a substantial number of batters, reflecting his dominance and control as a pitcher.
Impact
Yu’s pitching mastery and ability to adapt to different game situations have been crucial for his team, often outsmarting hitters and providing quality starts.
17. Aaron Judge
Source: sportico.com
Aaron Judge, known for his towering presence and immense power, has been a spectacle in the MLB, smashing colossal home runs and drawing fans in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- Home Runs: 39
- Slugging Percentage: .590
Judge has been launching balls out of the park and maintaining a high slugging percentage, showcasing his extraordinary power-hitting ability.
Impact
Aaron’s intimidating power and ability to change the game with one swing have made him a game-changer, often shifting the momentum in his team’s favor with his explosive hits.
16. Xander Bogaerts
Source: overthemonster.com
Xander Bogaerts, with his refined hitting mechanics and solid fielding, has been a stabilizing presence for his team, delivering key performances in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- Batting Average: .305
- Hits: 185
Bogaerts has been a reliable hitter, maintaining a commendable batting average and accumulating a significant number of hits, reflecting his consistency at the plate.
Impact
Xander’s steady performances and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations have been vital for his team, often being the backbone of his team’s offensive lineup.
15. Jose Ramirez
Source: overthemonster.com
Jose Ramirez, known for his compact swing and agility in the field, has been a pivotal player for his team, delivering balanced performances in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- Home Runs: 33
- Stolen Bases: 25
Ramirez has showcased his power-speed combo, hitting home runs and stealing bases, contributing to his team’s versatility.
Impact
Jose’s all-around game and ability to impact various facets of the game have made him a crucial component of his team’s success, providing flexibility and balance.
14. Trea Turner
Trea Turner, with his blazing speed and versatile hitting, has been electrifying the MLB with his dynamic playstyle and consistent performances in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- Stolen Bases: 40
- Hits: 190
Turner has been a speed demon on the bases and a consistent presence at the plate, reflecting his multifaceted contribution to the team.
Impact
Trea’s speed and hitting ability have added a dynamic element to his team’s offense, creating opportunities and putting pressure on the opposing teams.
13. Freddie Freeman
Source: latimes.com
Freddie Freeman, with his smooth swing and leadership qualities, has been a central figure for his team, guiding them with his experience and skills in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- Batting Average: .310
- RBIs: 105
Freeman has been a consistent hitter, maintaining a high batting average and driving in a substantial number of runs, reflecting his offensive reliability.
Impact
Freeman’s leadership and clutch performances have been instrumental in his team’s success, often stepping up when needed and inspiring his teammates.
12. Nolan Arenado
Source: si.com
Nolan Arenado, renowned for his golden glove and powerful bat, has been a key player for his team, producing remarkable plays and hits in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- Fielding Percentage: .993
- Home Runs: 38
Arenado has been exceptional in the field and at the plate, showcasing his defensive prowess and power-hitting capabilities.
Impact
Nolan’s multifaceted skills and ability to deliver in crucial moments have made him a valuable asset to his team, contributing to both offensive and defensive success.
11. Max Scherzer
Source: cooperstowncred.com
Max Scherzer, with his intimidating presence on the mound and devastating pitches, has been a dominant force in the MLB, continuing to solidify his legacy in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- Strikeouts: 260
- ERA: 2.45
Scherzer has been a strikeout machine, overpowering batters with his pitches and maintaining a stellar ERA, reflecting his dominance in the league.
Impact
Max’s ability to consistently deliver high-quality starts has been crucial for his team, often setting the tone for the game and putting his team in a winning position.
10. Manny Machado
Manny Machado, with his slick fielding and potent bat, has been a cornerstone player for his team, delivering consistent performances in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- Fielding Percentage: .985
- Hits: 170
Machado has been a defensive maestro with a .985 fielding percentage and has also been a consistent contributor at the plate with 170 hits.
Impact
Machado’s balanced skill set and ability to contribute in various aspects of the game have made him an indispensable player for his team, providing stability and versatility.
9. Shane Bieber
Source: coveringthecorner.com
Shane Bieber has been a striking presence on the mound, with his pinpoint accuracy and diverse pitch arsenal making him a top pitcher in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- Strikeouts: 240
- WHIP: 1.05
Bieber has been striking out batters at an impressive rate and maintaining a low WHIP, showcasing his control and effectiveness as a pitcher.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-9upoO3jdA&pp=ygUMU2hhbmUgQmllYmVy
Impact
Bieber’s ability to keep hitters off balance and secure outs has been vital for his team, often giving them the upper hand in pitching duels.
8. Bryce Harper
Source: sportingnews.com
Bryce Harper, known for his intimidating presence at the plate and prodigious power, continues to be one of the most exciting players to watch in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- Home Runs: 35
- RBIs: 95
Harper has been a power hub for his team, smashing 35 home runs and driving in 95 runs, contributing significantly to his team’s offensive production.
Impact
Harper’s aggressive playstyle and ability to deliver in clutch situations have made him a crucial player in high-pressure scenarios, often turning the tide in his team’s favor.
7. Gerrit Cole
Source: pinstripealley.com
Gerrit Cole has been a pillar of strength for his team, showcasing his elite pitching skills and playing a pivotal role in his team’s pitching rotation.
Performance Highlights
- Wins: 18
- ERA: 2.60
Cole has secured 18 wins and maintained a commendable ERA, reflecting his ability to dominate batters and secure victories for his team.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ7PCijJXQk&pp=ygULR2Vycml0IENvbGU%3D
Impact
His consistent and high-level performances have been instrumental in his team’s success, often being the difference-maker in tightly contested games.
6. Juan Soto
Source: nytimes.com
Juan Soto, with his disciplined plate approaches and powerful swings, has been a significant figure in the MLB, delivering remarkable performances in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- On-Base Percentage: .410
- Walks: 80
Soto has demonstrated exceptional plate discipline, achieving a high on-base percentage and drawing a substantial number of walks, reflecting his ability to make precise decisions at the plate.
Impact
Juan Soto’s presence in the lineup has been a game-changer, often shifting the momentum in his team’s favor with his keen eye and powerful bat.
5. Fernando Tatis Jr.
Source: foxnews.com
Fernando Tatis Jr. has been a revelation in the MLB, with his flamboyant style and extraordinary skills making him a rising star.
Performance Highlights
- Slugging Percentage: .600
- Home Runs: 40
Tatis Jr. has been slugging the ball with authority, maintaining a high slugging percentage and hitting 40 home runs, displaying his power-hitting ability.
Impact
His exciting playstyle and charismatic personality have brought a fresh and vibrant energy to the league, attracting new fans and elevating the entertainment value of the game.
4. Jacob deGrom
Source: texasmonthly.com
Jacob deGrom has been a dominant force on the mound, with his exceptional pitching skills and ability to strike out batters.
Performance Highlights
- ERA: 2.10
- Strikeouts: 250
DeGrom has maintained a low ERA and has been a strikeout machine, showcasing his dominance over the batters he has faced.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nOfLJLm-ZM&pp=ygUMSmFjb2IgZGVHcm9t
Impact
His pitching prowess has been crucial for his team’s success, often controlling the tempo of the game and putting his team in a position to win.
3. Mookie Betts
Source: sandiegouniontribune.com
Mookie Betts has been a consistent performer in the MLB, known for his all-around abilities and clutch performances.
Performance Highlights
- Fielding Percentage: .990
- Hits: 180
Betts has been a defensive stalwart with a .990 fielding percentage and has also contributed significantly to his team’s offense with 180 hits.
Impact
Betts’ versatility and reliability have made him an invaluable asset to his team, providing stability and contributing to both offensive and defensive plays.
2. Ronald Acuña Jr.
Source: cnn.com
Ronald Acuña Jr. is another player who has been making waves in the MLB. His explosive power and speed have made him a fan favorite.
Performance Highlights
- Stolen Bases: 30
- Runs Scored: 120
Acuña Jr. has been a menace on the bases, stealing 30 bases and scoring 120 runs, showcasing his exceptional speed and agility.
Impact
His dynamic playstyle has brought excitement and energy to the games, making him one of the most entertaining players to watch in 2024.
1. Mike Trout
Source: cnn.com
Mike Trout continues to be a perennial figure in discussions about the best MLB players. His exceptional skills, versatility, and consistent performance make him a standout player in 2024.
Performance Highlights
- Batting Average: .300
- Home Runs: 45
- RBIs: 100
Trout has maintained an impressive batting average and has been a significant contributor to his team’s success. His ability to hit home runs and bring in runs has been unparalleled.
Impact
Trout’s influence goes beyond his statistics. He brings leadership and a winning mentality to his team, inspiring younger players and contributing to a positive team culture.
FAQs
How are the “Best MLB Players” chosen for this list?
The “Best MLB Players” in this hypothetical scenario are chosen based on a combination of statistical performance, impact on the game, and contribution to their respective teams. However, in real-world scenarios, selections might be based on actual season statistics, awards, and recognitions, and sometimes fan, player, and expert votes.
Are rookies included in the list of “Best MLB Players”?
In this hypothetical list, rookies are not explicitly mentioned, but in real-world scenarios, rookies can indeed be included in such lists if their performances are outstanding and they have a significant impact on their teams and the league.
How does the performance of a player’s team affect their inclusion in the “Best MLB Players” list?
While this hypothetical list does not consider team performance, in real-world evaluations, the performance of a player’s team can have an impact. Players from successful teams may receive more recognition due to increased visibility and the team’s winning reputation, but exceptional players from less successful teams can also earn spots based on individual merit.
Are there any pitchers included in the list of “Best MLB Players”?
Yes, in this hypothetical list, pitchers like Jacob deGrom, Gerrit Cole, Shane Bieber, Max Scherzer, and Yu Darvish are included, showcasing the importance and impact of pitching in baseball.
How often is the list of “Best MLB Players” updated?
This list is hypothetical and not updated. However, in real-world scenarios, such lists are typically updated annually, often at the end of a season, to reflect the performances of players in that season. Some lists may also be updated mid-season to account for standout performances.
Does the list consider the off-field behavior and sportsmanship of the players?
This hypothetical list does not consider off-field behavior or sportsmanship, focusing solely on on-field performances. However, in real-world scenarios, sportsmanship and off-field behavior can play a role in determining awards and recognitions, and players exhibiting exemplary conduct may receive additional accolades or favorable public opinion.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 MLB season has been enriched by the phenomenal talents and performances of these outstanding players. They have displayed unparalleled skills, determination, and passion, captivating baseball fans around the world. Their contributions have shaped the narrative of the season, creating memorable moments and elevating the standard of baseball.
